BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE US citizen, who was attempting to leave St. Kitts aboard a private aircraft with a shotgun, was charged and fined for the offence.
A police reported gave the man’s name as Richard Westin of Kentucky, USA and stated that he had appeared in court on Friday (Jun. 17) and fined EC$10,000 after pleading guilty to filing a false customs declaration and importation of a weapon.
He was ordered to pay the fine by Tuesday (Jun. 21) or, if in default, has to serve one month at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Police had charged Westin with failing to declare a weapon, which is a violation of the Firearms Act Section 5(01); while Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department also preferred charges against him for presenting a false declaration and importation of a firearm.
The police report however noted that while Westin was fined for presenting a false declaration and importation of a firearm, he was reprimanded for failing to declare a weapon.
The report also stated that police have seized the firearm which, according to unconfirmed reports, is an antique.
On the night of Monday (Jun. 13), SKNVibes had learnt that a shotgun was discovered in Westin’s luggage while he was preparing to board a private aircraft at the Basseterre Yu Lounge.
He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody while the private aircraft departed the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport for its destination.
It was also learnt that Westin had entered the Federation on Saturday (Jun. 11) aboard the said aircraft, which was said to be owned by a regular visitor to the country.
